The Heritage Foundation:
"Voter fraud may be a part of America’s history, but it does not have to be a part of America’s future. Six states—Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Kansas—have recently adopted laws requiring voters to produce a photograph identification card (voter ID) when they vote at their polling places on Election Day. Such voter ID laws are under attack from opponents armed with an array of claims—specious allegations and over-the-top tales of voter disenfranchisement—but courts continue to rule in favor of voter ID requirements. Therefore, states should continue to pursue voter ID laws. They have a valid and legitimate state interest not only in deterring and detecting voter fraud, but also in maintaining the confidence of their citizens in the security of U.S. elections."
TALKING POINTS
- 1Requiring voters to authenticate their identity at the polling place is necessary to protect the integrity of—and confidence of citizens in—U.S. elections.
- 2Voter ID can prevent and deter impersonation fraud, voting under fictitious voter registrations, double voting by individuals registered in more than one state, and voting by illegal aliens.
- 3Contrary to the claims of opponents, numerous studies have shown that voter ID requirements do not decrease the turnout of voters or have a disparate impact on minority, poor, or elderly voters.
- 4Turnout has increased in states like Georgia and Indiana that have implemented voter ID laws, and courts have consistently dismissed litigation against such laws because of the inability of plaintiffs to produce a single individual who would be unable to vote because of the voter ID requirement.
- 5Polls demonstrate that the American people overwhelmingly support this common-sense reform across all racial and ethnic lines.
